AM-700: Get Groovy with Java: Groovy basics

The Groovy Course: The ArcMind Groovy course is a hands-on introduction to the Groovy language. The Groovy programming language is a dynamic language that is Java-friendly and runs in the Java Virtual Machine. Groovy adds many of the language features from Python and Ruby like:

• first class language support regex & collections,
• closures,
• categories,
• functional programming
• and more
  

In addition Groovy adds:

• categories,
• templates,
• builders,
• Gpath (like Xpath but for Java beans),
• GStrings (inline templates)

Groovy does this in a syntax that is familiar to Java developers so you can get up and running quickly.

Groovy programs are typically much shorter than the equivalent Java programs. You can do a lot more with a lot less code.

In this class, you learn the following:

• Using the Groovy toolset
• including the interactive interpreter where you try out new language features right after we talk about them
• Using the Groovy Eclipse plug-in
• Writing Unit tests with Groovy
• Working with Gpath
• Working with collections Groovy style
• Writing templates
• Working with builders and XML
• Learning to understand and use closure
• What currying is and how to use it
• Using Groovy’s dynamic language features
• Taking reuse to a new level by using dynamic language features
• Building Domain Specific Languages (DSLs) in Groovy
• How the GDK simplifies working with collections (find, findAll and friends)
• How the GDK simplifies working with files
• Strong versus dynamic typing
• A brief introduction to Grails and GORM
• Writing simple Groovy scripts to larger scale applications
• and much more

All of the lessons are hands on. We have labs which we do in Eclipse (or in IntelliJ for those with discerning taste) and follow-along discussion which we do in the interactive interpreter. You will work with everything we talk about. Come prepared to code. The second rule of code club is everyone will code!

When you are done with this course you will have the essential Groovy skills to begin your next project in Groovy with confidence.

Feedback from Groovy training from first client:

"I sent out a survey to get people’s feedback on the groovy training and so far, everyone really thought it was great and that the presenter was excellent. They are also all saying they want Grails training too, so you need to get that class put together quick."